Grace Burdick, 22, of Mount Nelson, used the RACT survey to help find her first car and settled on a Ford Eco Sport.Source: News Limited

THE Suzuki Alto GL has taken top honours in the RACT’s latest vehicle running costs survey.

While the costs of owning and running a car have risen slightly as a result of increased fuel prices, the RACT found that strong competition in the new car market, continuing low interest rates and greater availability of fixed price servicing had all contributed to the continuing affordability of new cars.

RACT roadside and technical services general manager Darren Moody said several factors contributed to the Suzuki Alto taking out the prize for its ability to create an economical ownership experience.

“The main reason for why some of the cars [recorded] low running costs is their initial purchase cost [which] reflects on how much they depreciate over time,” he said.

Mr Moody said the survey, which has been running for 15 years, was aimed at providing information to buyers so they could make informed choices when looking at new vehicles.

“It’s important to look beyond just the price of the car when shopping for a vehicle and take into account the safety and performance,” he said.

“Buyers should know how much it costs to have a car serviced, how much it costs to fill the fuel tank, replace tyres, pay insurance, registration, interest, stamp duty, drivers’ licence, RACT Roadside, and replacement parts like windscreens and batteries.”

Grace Burdick, 22, has had her licence for four months and used the survey to help find her first car.

“It’s just fantastic that they are so cheap to buy and run now,” the Mt Nelson driver said.

Mr Moody said the survey also dispelled myths that vehicles with built-in safety features cost more.

“We have a position that everyone who buys a new or old car should buy the safest car possible,” he said.

CHEAPEST CARS:

1. Suzuki Alto GL: $106.65 running costs per week

2. Holden Barina Spark: $111.34 per week.

3. Mitsubishi Mirage: $113.80 per week

4. Fiat 500: $113.86 per week

5. Suzuki Swift GL: $117.70 per week.

* The calculations for the survey are based on private ownership of a vehicle for a five-year period and driving an average of 12,000km each year. The survey was collated in the period leading up to May 2014.